Composition

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a candy composition containing flour, water, a sweetener, and an insoluble raw materia!. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a candy composition. The invention still further relates to a use of an insoluble raw materia! as a texture modifier and as a natural or nature-identical flavouring enhancer for a candy composition.

Background of the invention

[0002] Liquorice is a candy which is manufactured by cooking a mixture of wheat flour, water and a sweetener. Conventional black liquorice contains the root of the liquorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) as an extract or as a powder. In addition to black liquorice, coloured liquorice is known. Liquorice contains about 0.5% of fat and a high level of long-lasting energy.

[0003] Conventionally, liquorice is manufactured by boiling a mixture of flour, syrup and water in order to gelatinize starch. The liquorice recipe used, its sugar, flour and water content and other processing conditions vary according to the desired texture and mouth fee! of the final product. The texture of liquorice is mainly based on the gelatinization level of starch during the manufacturing process.

[0004] The raw materials of iiquorice paste include wheat flour, starch, raw sugar, molasses, glucose syrups and other sweeteners, water, and flavourings and colourings. The texture, flavour and preservability of liquorice may be influenced by the selection of raw materials. As to the quality of liquorice, the effect of the different raw materials on the starch particle and its gelatinization is considered important.

[0005] The amount of wheat flour in the liquorice recipe is generally 25 to 40%. The gluten content, protein content, and alpha-amylase content of the wheat flour affect the properties of the liquorice paste.

[0006] Instead of or as an admixture to wheat flour, for instance native or modified corn, wheat, potato and/or rice starch may be used.

[0007] Owing to their crystallization properties, the sugars used for the manufacture of liquorice influence the texture of the final product. Further, unrefined brown sugar, syrup as well as molasses may be used in the manufacture of liquorice to make it tastier.

[0008] Liquorice has been manufactured for decades, and various open cooking and continuous methods have been described in the literature. GB 1261729 and US 3,806,617 describe methods of manufacturing liquorice candies.

Description of the invention

[0009] An insoluble raw material added to the flour-water-sweetener mixture of liquorice paste has unexpectedly been found to affect the texture of liquorice paste and the liquorice candy and/or filling thereof. As compared to the conventional liquorice, the texture is spongy, airier and, when compressed, more resilient. The different mouth feel and airy texture of the liquorice also enhanced different flavours such that they are more perceptible to the senses.

[0010] A consumer feels he or she is eating a novel candy which, however, is based mainly on the raw materials of the conventional liquorice. In addition, the candy may be manufactured by conventional fiquorice manufacturing processes and apparatuses.

[0011] The novel foamy texture also enables new flavourings, colourings and/or aromatizers as well as other new raw material alternatives to be used in the manufacture of liquorice.

[0012] The insoluble raw material is preferably water-insoluble. The water-insoluble raw material is optionally also water-irretentive/water-unbound. Further, the insoluble raw material is preferably poorly fat insoluble or fat insoluble. The insoluble raw material has to be appropriate for food use. The insoluble raw material is preferably fine-grained, such as a powder in micro- ground form. Insoluble raw materials according to the invention include colour pigments, such as titanium dioxide, sterols, such as sitosterol, and insoluble fibres such as microcrystalline cellulose.

[0013] Titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) is a compound with strong and versatile properties, and it is chemically very inert, it is used as a white pigment e.g. in paints, plastics and cosmetics. Titanium dioxide is used as a colouring e.g. in candies, pastries, and food supplements. Titanium dioxide is manufactured e.g. by Kemira Pigments Oy.

[0014] Sterols, such as sitosterol, in a fine, preferably micro-ground, form are usable insoluble raw materials in a composition according to the invention. The term "sterol" refers to sterols and/or to their saturated counterparts, stanols.

[0015] Insoluble fibres, particularly in fine, preferably micro-ground and/or microcrystailine form are usable insoluble raw materials in a composition according to the invention. The insoluble fibre is preferably water-insoluble and optionally also water-irretentive. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an example of an usable insoluble fibre in a composition according to the invention. MCC is a purified form of cellulose. It consists of 1 ,4-beta-linked glucose and it is an insoluble water-dispersible fiber, which is used in several applications in food and pharmaceutical technological areas. Microcrystalline cellulose is manufactured e.g. by FMC BioPolymer and Danisco A/S and sold under the product range of Avicel ^® and GRINDSTED ^® MCC, respectively.

[0016] A liquorice paste composition according to the invention comprises flour, at least one sweetener, water, and an insoluble raw material. The composition of the invention may optionally comprise also hydrocolloid(s), such as agar, pectin and/or gelatine. The hydrocolloid(s) makes the structure of the paste more long-lasting and helps it to be preserved for longer periods. In addition to these, it may optionally contain e.g., salt, various colourings and flavourings, glazing agents, acidity regulators, preservatives, sorbitol and/or guar gum. The liquorice paste may also contain liquorice extract about 2 to 10%, depending on the amount of glycyrrhizin of the active ingredient.

[0017] With their 40 to 60% proportion, the sweeteners form the largest raw material group of the liquorice paste composition. Sweeteners used in the manufacture of liquorice include sugars, sugar syrups, and various kinds of molasses. The selection of sweeteners could be used to partly affect the structure of the paste composition and also the structural and sensible characteristics of the end product. The kinds and/or types of sugar highly appropriate for the manufacture of a composition according to the invention include syrups (e.g.Taioussiirappi and Leipomositrappi by Nordic Sugar Oy), various kinds of molasses (e.g. Elintarvikemelassi by Nordic Sugar Oy), liquid sugars (e.g. Neste 77 by Nordic Sugar Oy), and saccharose. Further, starch syrups may be used for adjusting texture properties. The flour used in the manufacture of liquorice is preferably wheat flour whose proportion in the composition is usually between 25 and 40%. Instead of or in addition to wheat flour, also other amylaceous flours, such as native or modified corn, oat, potato and/or rice flour and/or starch, are suitable for use in the composition according to the invention. The insoluble raw material may be added to the paste in different stages of the manufacturing method, depending e.g. on the boiling method used and

the selected raw materials. 0.01 to 20%, preferably 0.1 to 10%, by weight of insoluble raw material as calculated from the dry matter is added to the paste. The amount necessary at a given time depends on the insoluble raw material itself and its properties as well as on other raw material components of the paste and/or the selected cooking method. According to one embodiment of the invention, 1 to 5% by weight of insoluble raw material as calculated from the dry matter is added to the iiquorice paste, preferably 2 to 4% by weight as calculated from the dry matter. According to a further embodiment of the invention, 0.1 to 10% by weight of titanium dioxide as calculated from the dry matter is added to the liquorice paste. Preferably, 1 to 5% by weight of titanium dioxide as calculated from the dry matter is added to the liquorice paste, most preferably 2 to 4% by weight as calculated from the dry matter. In a composition according to one embodiment of the invention there is provided 40 g of titanium dioxide/1500 g of liquorice paste.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, 0.1 to 10% by weight of sitosterol as calculated from the dry matter is added to the liquorice paste. Preferably, 1 to 5% by weight of sitosterol as calculated from the dry matter is added to the liquorice paste, most preferably 2 to 4% by weight as calculated from the dry matter. In a composition according to an embodiment of the invention there is provided 8 kg of sitosterol/342 kg of liquorice paste.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, 0.1 to 10% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose as calculated from the dry matter is added to the liquorice paste. Preferably, 1 to 5% by weight of microcrystalline cellulose as calculated from the dry matter is added to the liquorice paste, most preferably 2 to 4% by weight as calculated from the dry matter.

[0020] In the composition according to the invention, only one insoluble raw material or, alternatively, two or more insoluble raw materials may be used.

[0021] The water content of the liquorice paste varies generally between about 15 and 20%.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the liquorice paste may, in open cooking carried out under normal pressure, be manufactured from the following raw materials: flour, water, sweetener, insoluble raw material. The amounts of the raw materials depend on the selected flour type and quality, the selected sweetener and the process used. According to an

embodiment of the invention, the manufacture of liquorice takes place as follows:

1. Flour and water are mixed into a smooth mixture A.

2. A sweetener and mixture A are added to a cooking pan. The paste is heated to a boiling point, and insoluble raw material is added.

3. The cooking is continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer).

4. The heat is turned off and the paste is mixed for about 5 minutes.

5. The paste is emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and metai containers.

6. Extruding may be carried out immediately while the paste has the temperature of about 60 degrees or the next day after "maturing".

7. The extruded liquorice is dried at 40 to 5O ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0023] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the manufacture of liquorice takes place as follows:

1. Fiour and water are mixed into a smooth mixture A.

2. A sweetener, mixture A and insoluble raw material are added to a cooking pan. The paste is heated to a boiiing point, and

3. the cooking is continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer).

4. The heat is turned off and the paste is mixed for about 5 minutes.

5. The paste is emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and metal containers.

6. Extruding may be carried out immediately while the paste has the temperature of about 60 degrees or the next day after "maturing".

7. The extruded liquorice is dried at 40 to 5O ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0024] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the manufacture of iiquorice takes place as follows:

1. Flour, water, and insoluble raw material are mixed into a smooth mixture A.

2. A sweetener and mixture A are added to a cooking pan. The paste is heated to a boiling point, and

3. the cooking is continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer).

4. The heat is turned off and the paste is mixed for about 5 minutes.

5. The paste is emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and metal containers.

6. Extruding may be carried out immediately while the paste has the temperature of about 60 degrees or the next day after "maturing".

7. The extruded liquorice is dried at 40 to 5O ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0025] The kind of the raw materials, their order and time of addition, the initial water content of the cooking, the cooking time and the cooking process influence the final product. The above-described basic recipe may be supplemented with different sugar syrups, colourings, flavourings, aromatizers or aroma agents, glazing agents, acidity regulators, preservatives, hydrocol- loids, such as agar and/or gelatine, glycerol, sorbitol, etc. The composition of the invention may comprise only one supplemental ingredient or, alternatively, two or more supplemental ingredients. The ingredient(s) could be added into the paste composition in any step of the manufacturing process.

[0026] The composition and method according to the invention are suitable for utilization both in open cooking systems and continuous processes.

[0027] As compared to the conventional liquorice, the paste composition and the liquorice candy and/or liquorice filling according to the invention has a spongy, airier, and, when compressed, more resilient texture. The different mouth feel and airy, foamy texture of the liquorice also enhance different flavours such that they are more perceptible to the senses.

[0028] It is possible to use different natural or nature-identical flavourings and aromatizers in the liquorice composition according to the invention. Various berry and fruit powders, natural berries and fruits, berry and fruit aromas, nut and chocolate powders and grains, salmiac, and countless aromas used in candies, such as liquorice, cream and toffee aromas, are suitable for use in the composition according to the invention. This enables a candy product to be achieved which has pleasant taste perception and mouth feel and which has a spongy, airy, and, when compressed, very resilient texture.

[0029] The composition according to the invention keeps well at room temperature and its microbiological preservability corresponds with that of ordinary liquorice. Liquorice candies and/or liquorice fillings can be manufactured from the liquorice paste composition of the present invention. The liquorice candy and/or liquorice filling may optionally contain supplemental and/or

additional ingredients, such as a topping, coating and/or a filling. Alternatively, the liquorice candy and/or liquorice filling may consist essentially of the liquorice paste composition of the present invention.

[0030] The objects of the invention are achieved by the compositions, methods and uses set forth in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. Other objects, details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples.

Example 1. White liquorice

Neste 77 is a liquid sugar product whose dry matter based on the solubility of saccharose is 77%. Neste 77 is a product by Nordic Sugar Oy.

[0031] The manufacture of liquorice paste was started by mixing wheat flour and water into a smooth mixture A. Neste 77, titanium dioxide, salmiac and mixture A were added to a cooking pan. The paste was heated to a boiling point and the cooking was continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer). Aniseed oil and liquorice aroma were added after turning off the heat, and the paste was mixed for about 5 minutes. The paste was emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and metal containers. Extruding was carried out immediately while the paste had the temperature of about 60 degrees. Alternatively, the extruding may be carried out the next day after "maturing". The extruded liquorice was dried at 40 to 5O ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0032] As compared to the conventional liquorice, the liquorice candy containing titanium dioxide has a spongy, airier and, when compressed, more resilient texture. The liquorice is white in colour. The different mouth feel

and the airy, foamy texture of the liquorice make the flavour more perceptible to the senses.

Example 2. Bilberry-flavoured liquorice

Neste 77 is a liquid sugar product whose dry matter based on the solubility of saccharose is 77% Neste 77 is a product by Nordic Sugar Oy

[0033] The manufacture of liquorice paste was started by mixing wheat flour, water, and titanium dioxide into a smooth mixture A. Neste 77 and mixture A were added to a cooking pan. The paste was heated to a boiling point and bilberry powder was added. The cooking was continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer). Citric acid and bilberry aroma were added after turning off the heat, and the paste was mixed for about 5 minutes. The paste was emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and metal containers. Extruding was carried out immediately whiie the paste had the temperature of about 60 degrees. Alternatively, the extruding may be carried out the next day after "maturing". The extruded liquorice was dried at 40 to 5O ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0034] The final liquorice candy was bilberry-coloured and flavoured. The texture of the liquorice was spongy, airy, and foamy. The different mouth feel and the airy, foamy texture of the liquorice make the flavour more perceptible to the senses.

Example 3. Toffee-flavoured liquorice

Neste 77 is a liquid sugar product whose dry matter based on the solubility of saccharose is 77%. ET-melassi is filtered dark cane-sugar-based sugar syrup with strong flavour. Neste 77, ET-melassi and Taloussiirappi are products by Nordic Sugar Oy. Caramel-toffee aroma and cream aroma are manufactured by Expressions Aromatiques.

[0035] The manufacture of liquorice was carried out as described in Examples 1 and 2. The final liquorice is light brown and toffee-flavoured. The texture of the liquorice is spongy, airy, and foamy. The different mouth feel and the airy, foamy texture of the liquorice make the flavour of toffee more perceptible to the senses.

[0036] Correspondingly, liquorice candies flavoured with other flavourings, such as fruit or chocolate aroma, may be manufactured. The amount of the flavouring depends e.g. on the flavouring itself and the desired strength of the flavour in the final product.

Example 4. Black liquorice having a foamy texture

Neste 77 is a liquid sugar product whose dry matter based on the solubility of saccharose is 77% ET-melassi is filtered dark cane-sugar-based sugar syrup with strong flavour. Neste 77and ET-melassi are products by Nordic Sugar Oy

[0037] The manufacture of liquorice paste started by mixing wheat flour, water, and iiquohce extract into a smooth mixture A, Neste 77, half of ET- melassi, mixture A, and sitosterol were added to a cooking pan. The paste was heated to a boiling point, and the rest of the ET-melassi, the black colour and salt were added. The cooking was continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer). Aniseed oil was added after turning off the heat, and the paste was mixed for about 5 minutes. The paste was emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and meta! containers. Extruding was carried out immediateiy while the paste had the temperature of about 60 degrees. Alternatively, the extruding may be carried out the next day after "maturing". The extruded liquorice was dried at 40 to 5O ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0038] The liquorice thus manufactured is black in colour and, as compared to the conventional liquorice, its texture is spongy, airier and, when compressed, more resilient. The different mouth feel and the foamy texture of the liquorice make the flavour of liquorice more perceptible to the senses.

Example 5. Liquorice paste compositions

[0039] The liquorice paste compositions containing 2.5 % fine titanium dioxide, 2.5 % powdered sterol or 2.5 % non-powdered sterol were manufactured as disclosed in Example 2.

[0040] The texture of the liquorice manufactured with fine titanium dioxide or with powdered sterol was spongy, airy, and foamy. The different mouth feel and the airy, foamy texture of the liquorice make the flavour more perceptible to the senses. The results are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.

Example 6. Liquorice having a foamy texture

Neste 77 is a iiquid sugar product whose dry matter based on the solubility of saccharose is 77%. Neste 77iε a product by Nordic Sugar Oy.

[0041] The manufacture of liquorice paste started by dissolving agar into water having temperature of about 80 to 9O ⁰ C with an optional boiiing. Neste 77, wheat flour, starch syrup (Tarkkeiyssiirappi 40) and granulated sugar were mixed thereto and the slurry so obtained was poured into a cooking pan. When the boiling of the flour had started, microcrystalline cellulose was added and the cooking was continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer). The paste was emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and metal containers. Extruding was carried out immediately while the paste had the temperature of about 60 degrees. Alternatively, the extruding may be carried out the next day after "maturing". The extruded liquorice was dried at 40 to 50 ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0042] The texture of the liquorice thus manufactured is, as compared to the conventional liquorice, spongy, airier and, when compressed, more resilient. The foamy texture of the liquorice makes also the mouth feel of the liquorice candy different as compared to the conventional liquorice.

Example 7. Liquorice with titanium dioxide and agar

[0043] The manufacture of liquorice paste started by dissolving agar into water having temperature of about 80 to 90 ⁰ C with an optional boiling. Neste 77, wheat flour, starch syrup (Tarkkeiyssiirappi 40) and granulated sugar were mixed thereto and the slurry so obtained is poured into a cooking pan. When the boiling of the flour was started, titanium dioxide was added and the cooking was continued to a 70 to 75% dry matter content (measured by a refractometer). The paste was emptied from the pan into heat-resistant plastic and metal containers. Extruding was carried out immediately while the paste had the temperature of about 60 degrees. Alternatively, the extruding may be

carried out the next day after "maturing". The extruded liquorice was dried at 40 to 50 ⁰ C to a final water content of 15 to 20%.

[0044] The texture of the liquorice thus manufactured is, as compared to the conventional liquorice, spongy, airier and, when compressed, more resilient. The foamy texture of the liquorice makes also the mouth feel of the liquorice candy different as compared to the conventional liquorice. The liquorice candy preserved its quality we!l during storage.